Taller women don’t get shorter end of the stick when it comes to wages

TALLER women earn more money than their shorter female colleagues, a poll claimed today.

Those who stand at a height of at least 5ft 8in are twice as likely to earn more than 30,000 a year and pocket an average of 5,000 more annually, according to the survey.

Asked to give their salary and measurements, 20 per cent who were paid 30,000 and above were in the tall category, compared with 10 per under 5ft 8in.

A fifth of females in the over 5ft 8in category saw their height as a source of empowerment and authority, while 5 per cent of shorter women felt that. And taller women were more comfortable with their bodies, with a quarter saying they would not change anything. In contrast, nine out of ten females standing below 5ft 8in were unhappy with how they looked.

Arianne Cohen, author of The Tall Book, said: “As taller people have a downward eyecast when speaking to shorter colleagues, they are perceived to have authority and confidence – which means those who are taller are respected by colleagues and bosses, giving them a thriving atmosphere that leads to more success.”

Opinion Matters surveyed 1,461 females aged over 16 for clothing retailer Long Tall Sally.